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CNN Live Saturday

A look at Kentucky Derby; President George Bush Tours Baltics

Aired May 07, 2005 - 16:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Reopening an old case and some old wounds. Why an Atlanta area police chief wants an new look at some of the murders blamed on convicted serial killer, Wayne Williams more than 20 years ago.
An increase in insurgent attacks in Iraq. Daily danger for Iraqis just trying to make a good life for themselves and their families.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That's what you do!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: And it may look and sound like a careless teenager behind the wheel, but it's actually a way for young drivers to learn about extreme driving situations before they encounter them on the road.

Hello, and welcome to CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

I'm Fredricka Whitfield, all that and more after a look at the headlines.

Insurgent unleash a bloody attack in the heart of Baghdad. A suicide car bomb blew up next to an SUV convoy today causing dozens of casualties. Two American contractors were among 22 people killed. Much more on Iraq straight ahead.

President Bush is hailing freedom and democracy as he marks 60 years since the end of World War II in Europe. The president symbolic visit overseas is reviving memories of post World War Europe and renewing tensions have a former Cold War adversary. We'll have a detailed report in about 15 minutes.

China reportedly has shot down a U.S. request to pressure nuclear powered North Korea to disarm. The "The Washington Post" reports the U.S. urged Beijing to cut off its oil supply to Pyongyang. China refused.

Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news.

Case not closed. It's been more than two decades since the nation was horrified by a brutal crime spree in a big city. It happened during a two year period in Atlanta. Twenty-nine people, all of them African-American and most of them boys killed.

Wayne Williams, the primary suspect was convicted in 1982. Now a local police chief is reopening the investigation into some of those murders.

CNN's Sarah Dorsey reports.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SARAH DORSEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When Wayne Williams was arrested in Atlanta in 1981, many in the city let out a breath they'd be holding for years. Since 1979, when black children and teens across the area began disappearing, later turning up dead. Williams, who was convicted of two of the murders and believed responsible for more than 20 others has always maintained his innocence.

Louis Graham, the assistant police chief in Fulton County at the time and part of the Missing and Murdered Task Force, believes Williams.

CHIEF LOUIS GRAHAM, DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA POLICE: I don't think Williams was responsible for anything. I don't think he did anything. So, made my mine up on that over 20 years ago, and I still feel that way. I felt that impetus when he was convicted and felt that impetus since. And yes, it has had a hold of me ever since and I can't just can't seem to turn it loose.

DORSEY: Graham is now the Dekalb County police chief, and he's finally in a position to get to the bottom of his hunch. He's reopening four cold cases in this county dating back to 1981. Patrick Baltazar, Curtis Walker, Joseph Bell, and William Barret. All either died of strangulation or asphyxiation.

GRAHAM: If we can solve one case, them I'm satisfied with that. But at this point, there's just too many open questions, and all I'm trying to do is answer those questions as best we can. And if we can't, that's just the way it is.

DORSEY: Graham says the Cold Case Task Force full of fresh investigators and fresh ideas using technology not available two decades ago will look into the four homicides. When it comes to the kids themselves, some 25 years later, Graham is still very emotional and wants answers.

GRAHAM: That's what I'm trying to do. So maybe there is -- there can be justice for Patrick, I don't know, but at least he knows that we won't forget. He knows that we haven't forgot. I haven't forgot. And maybe this is what it's all about.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

DORSEY: Graham says he doesn't know if it's possible that these cases can be solved after all of these years, but he says he owes it to the victims and their families to at least try. And Fredricka, he tells us he couldn't live without at least trying, without making some attempt rather than just forgetting cases like they were, just sitting on the shelf. He said he can't do it.

WHITFIELD: What's next?

DORSEY: Well, they plan on holding a press conference next week, so more answer -- more answers can. They can tell us exactly who will be on this taskforce. What it going to take to do this investigation. Also, they're appealing to family members of those four boys that were killed to come toward so they can explain to them first exactly what they want to do.

WHITFIELD: And the chief himself is expected to expand on some of those details?

DORSEY: That's what we're hearing.

WHITFIELD: All right, Sarah Dorsey, thanks so much.

Turning now to the fight for Iraq, suicide car bomb attacks in Baghdad today killing 22 people, including two American contract workers. The U.S. embassy says the Americans were traveling through Liberation Square when their convoy was hit. Iraqi officials say, at least, 30 people were wounded including five school girls, an unconfirmed report by an al Qaeda wing in Iraq claimed responsibility.

Elsewhere an American Marine was killed by a roadside bomb during combat, about 30 miles west of Baghdad. That brings the death toll of U.S. Forces in the war to 1,594. Also, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani arrived in Jordan today for talks with King Abdullah. The king pledged to help Iraq fight terrorism and upgrade the ties between the two neighbors by returning Jordan's ambassador to Baghdad as soon as possible.

And this development, the U.S. military reports the capture of a key suspected associate of Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq. Officials say Hasan Amin (ph) was arrested last month in Iraq.

More now on the car bomb attack no Baghdad today, and the impact on ordinary Iraqis. They begin each day not knowing if it will be their last.

CNN's Ryan Chilcote is in Baghdad with their stories.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Little is left of the suicide bomber's car or the convey carrying the U.S. contractors targeted as they come by. Or the school bus that was taking children to their homes. If you want a picture of Iraqi life from someone at Liberation Square, you have to go into the photo shops it's known for. Attacks are part of the cost of doing business in Baghdad. They're talked about with morbid resignation. "Every morning we leave home knowing nothing about our fate, not knowing if we'll be killed in an explosion or police shootout. We're waiting to find out how we will die."

If Abu Zafri (ph) sounds overly fatalistic, it's because it's the second attack here in two weeks. The faster his shop can pick up the glass, the faster they can man the register. Customers who come to buy a roll of film on days like this demand attention.

No one recalled a similar attack shown in this insurgent propaganda video, that happened here a year ago. That's old news in the new Iraq. But frustration with the government's inability to stop the attacks remains the same.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): "We don't know when this violence will come to an end. Every day the government promises they will stop it, but they can't. We've resorted to believing only in God."

For now, the focus is on getting the photo shop ready for tomorrow.

Ryan Chilcote, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Now to North Korea, and the U.S. tactics being used to influence the nuclear nation to disarm.

"The Washington Post" reports China has rejected a U.S. plan to cut off North Korea's supply of oil. It was a way to pressure Pyongyang to return to disarm amount talks. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is monitoring North Korea. A Defense Department official says there's intelligence the nation is possibly preparing for its first nuclear test. U.N. Nuclear Chief Mohamed ElBaradei says that would be a reckless move.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MOHAMED ELBARADEI, IAEA DIRECTOR GENERAL: It would have disastrous political repercussions. I'm not sure how much environmental impact it could have in terms of radiological fallout, so I do hope that North Korea would absolutely reconsider such a reckless, reckless step.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: And you can see the interview with ElBaradei tomorrow on "LATE EDITION" with Wolf Blitzer, and that begins at noon eastern.

Well, was he forced out by the pope? The editor of the Catholic magazine "America" resigns from his post, that's straight ahead on "CNN LIVE SATURDAY."

Also ahead, President Bush behind what was once the iron curtain. His message to former Soviet Bloc nations. And she's an actress and a advocate. Angelina Jolie and the cause close to her heard that's taken her to Pakistan.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: President Bush is on the second leg of a symbolic trip overseas, marking the Allied victory in World War II. The president arrived earlier today in the Netherlands from Latvia. It was his stop there and his message to former Soviet republics that's creating a strain between the U.S. and its old Cold War foe.

CNN White House correspondent Dana Bash is traveling with the president.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The president hailed eastern Europe's young democracies and said the United States shares the blame for what he called their captivity, five decades behind the iron curtain.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And when powerful governments negotiated the freedom of small nations was somehow expandable.

BASH: Mr. Bush is in the region to mark 60 years since the end of World War II. The end of the Nazis meant the beginning of Soviet domination, and he acknowledged the U.S. role in the Yalta Agreement that allowed it.

BUSH: We will not repeat the mistake of other generations, appeasing or excusing tyranny.

BASH: Getting a reluctant Russia to renew an apology for annexing the Baltic nations is a top priority for the three leaders Mr. Bush met with.

BUSH: The American people will never forget the occupation and communist oppression of the people of the Baltics. We recognize your painful history.

BASH: Russia is angry Mr. Bush included former Soviet states in his itinerary, and Moscow doesn't like the term occupation. But Mr. Bush used it eight times at this event.

BUSH: ... but occupation and communist oppression.

BASH: Spreading democracy is the hallmark of Mr. Bush's second term foreign policy. And he promised to make flood mere Vladimir Putin understand democracies are good neighbors and role models.

BUSH: And I will continue to speak as clearly as I can to President Putin, that it's in his country's interests that there be democracies on his borders.

BASH: Mr. Bush did take pains to address a key Putin concern in the Baltics, urging them not to let resentment breed discrimination against Russians and other minorities.

BUSH: Welcoming a tolerate spirit will assure the unity and strength of your country.

BASH: The busy day in Riga, including a warm welcome and an award for a president more accustomed to protests over the Iraq War, the three-star order, the highest honor Latvia.

(on camera): In event of his trip to Moscow, the president warned Vladimir Putin, only a strong democracy in his own country will determine its greatness. Yet, another challenge for the friendship Mr. Bush boasts about at a time he needs the Russian leader to confront challenges in places like North Korea and Iran.

Dana Bash, CNN, Riga, Latvia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Other news around the world now, two people were killed today in an explosion at an Internet cafe in Kabul, Afghanistan. Police are investigating whether the attack was a suicide bombing. A witness says he saw a man run into the building before the blast. The cafe is popular with westerners, but the victims were Afghans.

Officials in Myanmar are also investigating deadly explosions. Three bombs went off within an hour of each, at two shopping centers and a train exhibit in the Yangon, the country's capital. Eleven people were killed, dozens were wounded. The state television is blaming ethnic rebels for the attacks.

And film star Angelina Jolie is asking the world to help Afghan refugees living in Pakistan. The United Nations goodwill ambassador met with President Pervez Musharraf after touring camps near the Afghan border. The United Nations says Pakistan gets $12 million in aid for about 1 million refugees. Jolie says the international community should do more to shoulder the burden.

A Hollywood actor is just one of many pleading for the freedom of an Australian woman on trial with her life on the line. Was she smuggling drugs or was she set up?

And is the Vatican and the new pope, behind the resignation of a Catholic magazine editor?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It began as a vacation to a tropical paradise, but what followed next has a woman facing a possible death sentence. Now the tourist-turned-prisoner is awaiting for fate hundreds of miles away from home.

Here's CNN's Brian Todd.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A case that an Australian official compares to the Michael Jackson affair for its sensationalism. The sister of the accused attacks the media.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Leave her alone, all of you!

TODD: The defendant herself faints once outside the courtroom, then inside -- a pattern that has left the judges frustrated. Such is the ordeal of 27-year-old Schappelle Corby, an Australian beauty student arrested last October on the Indonesian resort island of Bali. Customs officials at the airport discovered a nine pound bag of high grade marijuana in her luggage. Corby always maintained it was planted there after she checked her bag through in Sydney.

SCHAPPELLE CORBY, DEFENDANT: And I swear, by God as my witness, I did not know marijuana was in my bag.

TODD: But Schapelle Corby faces three judges and an Indonesian justice system determined to crack down on drug trafficking. Several death sentences have been handed down to foreign nationals in recent years. Prosecutors have asked for a life sentence for Corby, but the judges could still send her to death by firing squad if they convict.

CORBY: Please, look to your God for guidance in your judgment for me.

TODD: As she pleads for her life, Corby seems to have a keen sense of how this case is playing back home. An Australian official tells CNN this is dominant news every day with popular sentiment favoring Corby's side. Star actor Russell Crowe has joined the fray, telling an Australian radio program the government must apply more pressure.

RUSSELL CROWE, ACTOR: I don't understand, when there is such doubt, how we can, as a country, stand by and let a young lady, as an Australian, rot away in a foreign prison. That is ridiculous.

TODD: Australian officials say the government will seek clemency if a death sentence is imposed. But for now this is a matter for the Indonesian courts, where a young lady appeals for compassion.

CORBY: I believe seven months which I've already been in prison is severe enough punishment for not putting locks on my bag. I don't know how long I can survive in here.

TODD: And at least one judge seems to have heard enough.

JUDGE LINTON SIRAIT, INDONESIA (through translator): We've already 75 percent decided, but I cannot tell you our conclusion.

TODD: A conclusion that could come any day when the judges announce their verdict and sentence.

Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE) WHITFIELD: Benedict XVI said today he will resist attempts to water down strict Vatican teachings. His conservative stance is apparently leading to changes within the Roman Catholic Church. The "New York Times" reports that the editor of Catholic magazine "America" has been forced to resign, the Reverend Tom Reece, and American Jesuits -- was reportedly ousted after publishing articles critical to church positions on issues such as gay marriage and abortion. Sources cited in the report say the order came from a Vatican office, which at the time of the firing was headed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI.

Well, what is the reaction in Rome to the apparent firing? And what does it say about the direction the church is headed?

CNN Vatican Analyst John Allen joins me now from Rome.

Well, good to see you, John.

JOHN ALLEN, CNN VATICAN ANALYST: Hi, Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: What more do you know about the circumstances of the resignation of Mr. Reese?

ALLEN: What my newspaper, the "National Catholic Reporter" and other media outlets in the states are reporting is in substance what you just said. That is that, Father Reese, who of course is well- known to viewers of CNN, and other media events, commentator on church affairs, has resigned and did so under pressure, most directly from his Jesuits superiors. But they were acting under pressure in turn from the Congregation for the Doctrinal of the Faith, that's the Doctrinal watch dog agency here at the Vatican in Rome. And this apparently -- this -- this tension about "America" the magazine that Father Reese edited goes back at least five years, involves a number of pieces "America" published, including ones that you just ticked off.

Although, we hasten to say every time "America"would publish a position critical of some official position of the church, it would publish a piece in defense. There was an attempt on the part of the magazine to, I suppose, carve out a space for discussion of these things.

WHITFIELD: Does it appear that was no longer happening or something?

ALLEN: Well, I think the thing is that because "America" is such a widely respected, and widely-read publication and perhaps more to the point, because it's sponsored officially by the Jesuits, which -- one of the leading orders in the Catholic Church. And it's an order who's members take a special vow, actually, of loyalty to the pope. I think there was a sense in the Vatican that the bar ought to be set a little bit higher in terms of defending the official positions of the church. We should also say that our information is that the initial pressure, so to speak to take action in this case, actually, came from a few American bishops who contacted Rome. Although, at this stage we don't know who the bishops were. WHITFIELD: And you talk about the Jesuits being very loyal to the pope, but at the same time that they also pride themselves on being very independent, independent thinkers. And this magazine "America" very much did that. So it seems as though there's a contradiction if you're going to be penalized for being an independent thinker.

ALLEN: Yes. Well, I mean, obviously, this will be seen one two of ways. Catholics who would hold some of the views that these -- that these pieces reflected would argue that this is an act of control intended to choke off legitimate discussion. Catholics who would support the action that the Vatican has taken, on the other hand, would argue that this is about being clear about what the church stands for. And when you have a magazine that is officially sponsored by the church in some way, legitimizing these views, so to speak, then you can create confusion. This is discussion, obviously, isn't a new one. It went on for, you know, almost 27 years of John Paul's pontificate. And this would indicate it's going to go on under Pope Benedict XVI.

WHITFIELD: And Benedict XVI was known to be sort of the right- hand man of Pope John Paul II, so why should anyone believe or be convinced that his loyalties is to the Catholic Church under Pope John Paul II leadership would in anyway be relaxed.

ALLEN: No, that's exactly right. I mean, this is an indication that from -- on this issue, that is the limits of acceptable discussion in the church, what we're going to have under Benedict XVI is very much the status quo of what we had under John Paul II. Now, we should haste on it add, however, that this decision about Father Reese was made prior to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger being elected as Pope Benedict XVI. So it's not an act of the pope. And we also don't know that the extent to which he was personally involved in any of these discussions. But I think the big picture here clearly is, that the kind of reigning in and drawing the lines in the sand that we saw under John Paul II is going to continue under this pope.

WHITFIELD: All right. Vatican analyst, John Allen, thanks so much for joining us from Rome.

ALLEN: You bet, Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: And when CNN LIVE SATURDAY returns -- it might look extreme, but it could save lives. Lessons behind the wheel that go beyond the routine driver's ed course.

And later a different kind of horsepower. The Kentucky Derby gets under way in about 90 minutes. Have you placed your bets? Don't do it before you see our next report from Churchill Downs.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Topping the headlines at this hour, two American contractors are among at least 22 people killed by a suicide car bombing in central Baghdad. A Web site carries a claim of responsibility by al Qaeda's wing in Iraq. A former Lebanese general who opposed his country's occupation by Syria is back home after nearly 14 years in exile. Tens of thousands turned out to give Michel Aoun a rousing welcome in downtown Beirut today. Supporters see him as a symbol for Lebanese independence.

And police are reopening a serial murder case that gripped the Atlanta area with fear between 1979 and 1981. Wayne Williams is serving life in prison, but the police chief in Dekalb County covering the eastern part of Atlanta says he doesn't believe Williams is guilty. Twenty-nine boys and young men were killed (INAUDIBLE) Dekalb County.

One of the original prosecutors in the case says, he has no doubt Williams is guilty. And questions the police chief's motives. Jack Mallard is a former Fulton County district attorney. He joins us now on the phone from Cummings, Georgia.

All right, Mallard, glad you were able to join us.

Well, what do you believe is the motivation is for chief Louis Graham?

Mr. Mallard, are you there?

JACK MALLARD, FORMER PROSECUTOR: Yes, I'm here.

WHITFIELD: Well, you question, apparently, motivation behind the police chief's reopening of the case. What do you suppose it is?

MALLARD: Well, first I question whether any department can be objective in an investigation, when the chief comes out in the same announcement and says that Wayne Williams hadn't killed anybody. And of course, he's made that statement over the years several times. So how can any investigation by him and his department be objective?

WHITFIELD: He apparently has said that he has questioned whether Wayne Williams was the right man for many, many years. And the difference now, they may be able to use some advanced technology to help the get to the bottom of some of the cases, as well as being able to suit this investigation with a whole new team of people. What would be the harm in doing that, in your view?

MALLARD: There's no harm in reopening or continuing the investigation of any unsolved murder. That's done every day and certainly anybody welcomes that. It's just interesting to note that he would come ought and eliminate the only person who has ever been convicted in the murders, at the same time he's opening up the cases.

WHITFIELD: You have felt for all of these years, in your heart of hearts, that Wayne Williams is the right man behind bars?

MALLARD: Absolutely, there was no doubt whatever. There was no doubt with the jury. There was no doubt at the time with the most -- everybody in the Atlanta area, including the media and everybody that was directly involved with it.

WHITFIELD: He's serving life after the conviction of the murders of two victims. Why wasn't it broadened out to all 29?

MALLARD: Well, that's a long story, and the chief of police and the district attorney at the time saw fit to not proceed on the other cases because of insufficient evidence. And that's the way they stand at this time. As I've said, and have said all along, that at any time, any of those cases can be cleared. And I suspect that that will involve Williams, when they are. And certainly a prosecution would be in order.

WHITFIELD: All right, Jack Mallard, a former Fulton County assistant district attorney, thank's so much for joining us on the telephone. And again, the Dekalb County police chief, Louis Graham, is expected to hold a press conference later on this week to perhaps explain why he is trying to reopen the cases.

To other news now, you are about to see some extreme measures being taken to improve teenage driver skills. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20-years-old, two-thirds of those teens killed in traffic. Accidents are passengers in vehicles driven by other teens. Seven percent of licensed drivers are teenagers, but teens suffer 14 percent of fatalities, and 20 percent of all reported accidents.

Sharon Collins reports now on how some driving schools are trying to turn those numbers around.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHARON COLLINS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Elizabeth Graper is leaving school early. It is one of those red letter days on any teenager's calendar, Elizabeth is on her way to take her driving test. She hopes to get her license today.

ELIZABETH GRAPER, TEEN DRIVER: A little nervous. But a lot of my friends have already done it.

COLLINS: Elizabeth took Driver's Ed at her high school, and she spent time driving with her mom at her side.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Lizzie, you need to pay attention, honey.

GRAPER: It's 25.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, and how fast are you going?

GRAPER: Forty.

COLLINS: But Elizabeth also did a little something extra. Something that would ordinarily horrify any parent.

GRAPER: That's what you do!

COLLINS: It's called Xtreme Measures, a new breed of driving schools springing up around the country. Today's class is held at a race track in Charlotte, North Carolina. Karl Kutcher started Extreme Measures six years ago after an accident that still haunts him today. CARL KIRCHER, XTREME MEASURES: One of my older daughter's best friends got killed. She got two wheels off the side of the road, over-corrected, hit a tree. And I knew right then that there had to be something that I could do that was going to help you guys get through. Get the car to slide. Get it to slide. Get it to slide.

COLLINS; Kricher has worked around auto racing all of his life. His classes apply lessons learned on the racetrack to emergencies encountered in everyday driving situations.

KIRCHER: You can't just take your child in a parking lot and show them defensive maneuvers, car control maneuvers as they did when I grew up. You can't do that anymore. So we provide them a place to learn how to do that at our expense in an oops-free environment so that they can learn what we've learn over 30 years of driving.

COLLINS: The teens practice recovering from skids. Handling the car when it runs off the road. And avoiding obstacles. His course is not a replacement for the basics of driver's ed, but it does teach students skills they wouldn't learn in a typical course.

SHARON GRAPER, ELIZABETH GRAPER'S MOTHER: I felt like I wanted Elizabeth to have some experience in extreme conditions so that she would know what to do if she was in that circumstance.

COLLINS: After a day of driving on the Xtreme course, Elizabeth felt pretty good about what she'd learned.

(on camera): So you think you got it down?

ELIZABETH GRAPER: Yes.

COLLINS (voice-over): But would it help her get a license? After her driving test, she feels pretty confident.

(on camera): How did you do?

ELIZABETH GRAPER: I think I did OK.

COLLINS: Did you? Well, good.

(voice-over): But the news is disappointing.

ELIZABETH GRAPER: I didn't get it.

COLLINS: Twice Elizabeth turned into the wrong lane. A relatively minor mistake, but one that could easily cause an accident. And a reminder of how even the best prepared teenager won't always make the right call.

Sharon Collins, CNN, Charlotte, North Carolina.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And we're happy to report that Elizabeth Graper, the teen driver in that story has now passed her license test. Joining us is Carl Kirsher, founder of Xtreme Driving School. Wow, I imagine that lots of kids if the had the opportunity would love to sign up for it, because it really does gives them an excuse to do the fishtailing and the hydroplaning. And it looks fun even though it is dangerous to do when out on the road, of course.

KIRSHER: It is, and we provide them a safe place to do that, that's a primary focus of what have we do. We ask the question how many of you are here because you have to be here, the first day, very few hands come up. Most of the hands come up -- and how many of you are here because you want to be here, and very few hands come up. So -- but what's interesting is Sunday it turns around. How many of you are here because you want to be here and all of the hands go up. Everybody is having a great time.

WHITFIELD:: Well, this really is a unique experience. Not everyone gets a chance to partake. But for those who do, they have to pay for it on their own. It's not some offered by the school districts, right?

KIRSHER: Correct.

WHITFIELD: And when they do sign up, you've got to bring your own vehicle.

KIRSHER: Correct. There's no better vehicle to learn in than the one you're going to drive, right?

WHITFIELD: Right. And you all have to take some extreme measures to create all of these situations so that it is as realistic as possible.

KIRSHER: Yes.

WHITFIELD: What if air on an icy road way, what if you're, you know, a flooded street, et cetera. Take me through the measures you have to take to make it just right.

KRISHER: Well, we use a million square foot parking lot at Atlanta Motor Speedway. We use lots of water. We use a soapy surface -- a soapy solution that we put in it, so that we can simulate a slippery conditions and make it as real and virtual as you said. Also it minimizes abuse on the car, which is important from parents' perspective.

WHITFIELD: Does it seem like most of your customers are young people or do find that a lot of the parents say, you know what, I could see that I need something like this, sign me up?

KRISHER: Most of the time it's young people, but a lot of parents take it as well. The synergy between parents and teenagers in the conversations they have during the course of a day both taking the same thing is sort of a lasting synergy. And it does changes their communication skills over a long-term. So, it's interesting how that works.

WHITFIELD: You've only been doing this for about six years, right?

KRISHER: Right.

WHITFIELD: How have you had to make the program evolve to keep it fresh and new?

KRISHER: We've had to -- well, first of all, we expanded to other areas so we could can address more kids. It's in a constant state of flux. We have exercises, we change communication, we change what we talk about. We try to influence kids in different ways and different events, so...

WHITFIELD: And one of the biggest mistakes that a lot of the kids make, they come in there probably thinking, you know what, I got this. I can handle any situation.

KRISHER: Sure, absolutely.

WHITFIELD: It's a really eye-opening experience, isn't?

KRISHER: It is an eye opening experience, because everyone thinks they know how to drive. And it takes about five minutes to show them they really don't know anything. So the learning curve for them, they're in the education mode, as opposed to as you get older you get out of the education mode. They're in education mode and just interested in learning, and that's their life at that moment.

WHITFIELD: Is there anything on this course that you really cannot address? It really does mean stepping up to common sense issues? And there's a lot of decision making that a young person or any driver has to make when behind the wheel.

KRISHER: We try to hit it all. And really, you hit the biggest part of it. If I do this, what is the consequence of it? That's primary of what try to do. So -- and weave it into their everyday life. It makes a big difference in the rest of the part of your life, schooling, business, and all of that. So, we address that, as well as techniques and those sorts of things.

WHITFIELD: I bet you wish that there were more school districts or at least programs like this would be more available cross the country, because you know, it's pretty obvious how it can benefit everyone.

KRISHER: Certainly, the statistics would be a lot less, and that's what we're trying to address is statistics. So, we're a non- profit volunteer group. We do it because we have a passion for it, so...

WHITFIELD: All right, Carl Kirsher, Xtreme Driving School, thanks so much.

KRISHER: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Well, "CNN LIVE TODAY" continues right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: He was a politician caught on tape. After paying the price, he tried to salvage his career.

As part of CNN's anniversary series "Then & Now," we take a look at Marion Berry.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARION BARRY, FMR. D.C. MAYOR: Marion Barry is the best and brightest for Washington, D.C.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As Washington, D.C.'s self-proclaimed mayor for life, Marion Barry has known fame, fall from grace.

BARRY: While I wish I could trade this hour.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And political redemption. Born in Mississippi, Barry came to Washington in the '60s as a civil rights activist and never left. Barry was elected mayor of D.C. in 1978. And held that office for 12 years. But in 1990, Barry's reign ended with a cocaine arrest in an FBI sting operation.

After searching six months in prison, he returned as a city council member, then reclaimed the mayor's office in 1994. But his fourth term was overshadowed with allegations of financial wrongdoing.

But now, Marion Barry is back on the city council once again.

BARRY: I've been knocked down. Some say you fell down, put yourself down, but I got up.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE; He captured 96 percent of the vote in Washington's 8th ward, an area with the city's highest rates of poverty and unemployment.

BARRY: I ought to be tired by now after 40-some years of public service, 68 years of age. But I'm not. I just got my second wind.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As for his issues with drugs, Barry says it's all in the past and prefers not to talk about it.

Married four times, he has one son, 24-year-old Marion Christopher Barry.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: All right, that was both looking back and ahead.

Let's now only look to ahead to about an hour from now, Carol Lin with CNN -- more of CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to be talking this teacher who was a convicted murdered. The parents did not know, when he was hired at this private school that he had a murder conviction. Now he's accused of a molesting three young students, including two 13- year-old. So, the principal of the school said, Fred, the reason why she didn't tell the parents about his murder conviction, is because she didn't think it would help. And that apparently the murder conviction had nothing to do with children. Anyway a controversy brewing there.

At 10:00, I'm not actually going to tell you who this guest is, but let me tell you something about her. She wrote a book. She knows everything that goes behind -- that goes on behind closed doors of the highest people in power. She is the second, she calls herself the second line of defense in homeland security.

WHITFIELD: Interesting.

LIN: Yes. She's got some pretty funny tales to tell about the rich and powerful.

WHITFIELD: All right. We're looking forward to that. Carol, thanks a lot.

Well, post time is a little more than an hour away, and the run for the roses up next. We'll go live to Churchill downs for a look at the big money mind the big race.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It's the first Saturday in May, and that means only one thing to horse racing fans, the Kentucky Derby. And we're a little more than an hour away now from the 131st run for the roses. And most if not all of the 140,000 plus fans are already jammed into historic Churchill Downs in Louisville. Today's favorite is the big colt named Bellamy Road owned by New York Yankee boss George Steinbrenner. But consider this before placing your bets, only two favorites in the past 25 years have actually won the Kentucky Derby.

Joining us live from Churchill Downs for more on the race, CNN sports business analysts, oh it's hard to take you seriously like that, Rick Horrow. Where it's all about the mint juleps and the big hats, very green hats at that.

RICK HORROW, CNN SPORTS BUSINESS ANALYST: You got admire my self-esteem. I'm fine with this.

WHITFIELD: You're bold.

HORROW: There's about $250 million of economic impact around this region like the Super Bowl from this weekend. About $230 million from these hats, OK. So, we'll get serious because I'm not doing this for the next three minutes, but I just want you know that I that I could even do that for you.

WHITFIELD: I like it. You're in the spirit of things. So, let's talk about that big business. Last year, record betting, are we expecting that to be the case this year? Last year in part because of that "Seabiscuit" of a type of horse. This year is it, possibly, Steinbrenner's horse that really gets people inspired on betting? HORROW: Well, about $100 million bet last year in the Derby itself. And over $130 million in a 12 (INAUDIBLE) race card, Smarty Jones wasn't significant yet, because he hadn't won the derby. There's 140,000 people right there, this is now the ninth race behind me, and frankly they're going to set some records. It's 80 degrees here. Everybody's excited about it. The industry as a whole, $50 billion bet, that's very important for the future of horse racing.

WHITFIELD: Wow. And that kind of betting doesn't just involve those who are gambling right there at the track, but that also incorporates some off track betting places, too, doesn't?

HORROW: Well, yes, that's the future of it, as well, simultaneous for example in Laurel, Maryland. There's more simulcast betting than there is live better. And slot machines, New York, Ft. Lauderdale, all have approved referendums to put slots in the track. Why, they're entertainment experiences, like Churchill Downs and $121 million renovation behind us. That's one of the reasons people go, not just to bet on the race.

WHITFIELD: Wow, I want to talk to you a little bit more about that modernization plan there at Churchill Downs. They, obviously, see that this sport is still popular and it's growing even more. That's why they're reinvesting in their own place. Why is it so popular?

HORROW: Well, frankly, 40 million people come to these races every year, but only 10 million consider themselves avid fans. So it's marketing marketing, more marketing. "Seabiscuit," television, all of the corporate money, Visa, Dodge, even Nextel, Emeritus Airlines is even in this deal. So, $60 million by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association in marketing. It's all about selling and excitement. We have the excitement here. It's going to get better as the day goes along. Only about an hour plus until post time.

WHITFIELD: Wow. And we were even looking at a clip just a moment ago of "Seabiscuit." And in fact, Churchill Downs, didn't they also, the Kentucky Derby as a whole, invested quite a bit of money -- the industry did in that movie to perhaps inspire people perhaps or really get them excited about the horse racing world?

HORROW: Absolutely. The key is to bring horse racing to the masses. Two minutes and about four seconds was Smarty Jones, Kentucky Derby winning time last year. Now, that's two minutes in a 12-month period. So, what do you do, concerts, entertainment, marketing. $100 million Universal Studios on "biscuit." So everybody who's a fan or not can talk about that movie. And then Smarty Jones came along this last year and talked about how exciting it was as an underdog race fan representing and rooting for an underdog horse. And by the way, he was just a couple seconds away from winning the Triple Crown, but it started back here last may at Churchill Downs.

WHITFIELD: All, exciting stuff. All right, Rick, thanks so much. Back to the mint juleps and back to your green topper there.

HORROW: I'll put the hat back on. I'll talk to you guys later.

WHITFIELD: All right, thanks a lot.

All right that's going to do for this hour of CNN LIVE SATURDAY. Straight ahead, "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS," profiles Tom DeLay and Tony Blair and Samuel L. Jackson.

Then at 6:00 Eastern, Carol Lin is here for "CNN LIVE SATURDAY," and at 7:00 eastern at ward winning team of "The Capital Gang." And I'll be back in a few minutes with this hour's headlines.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired May 7, 2005 - 16:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Reopening an old case and some old wounds. Why an Atlanta area police chief wants an new look at some of the murders blamed on convicted serial killer, Wayne Williams more than 20 years ago.
An increase in insurgent attacks in Iraq. Daily danger for Iraqis just trying to make a good life for themselves and their families.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That's what you do!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: And it may look and sound like a careless teenager behind the wheel, but it's actually a way for young drivers to learn about extreme driving situations before they encounter them on the road.

Hello, and welcome to CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

I'm Fredricka Whitfield, all that and more after a look at the headlines.

Insurgent unleash a bloody attack in the heart of Baghdad. A suicide car bomb blew up next to an SUV convoy today causing dozens of casualties. Two American contractors were among 22 people killed. Much more on Iraq straight ahead.

President Bush is hailing freedom and democracy as he marks 60 years since the end of World War II in Europe. The president symbolic visit overseas is reviving memories of post World War Europe and renewing tensions have a former Cold War adversary. We'll have a detailed report in about 15 minutes.

China reportedly has shot down a U.S. request to pressure nuclear powered North Korea to disarm. The "The Washington Post" reports the U.S. urged Beijing to cut off its oil supply to Pyongyang. China refused.

Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news.

Case not closed. It's been more than two decades since the nation was horrified by a brutal crime spree in a big city. It happened during a two year period in Atlanta. Twenty-nine people, all of them African-American and most of them boys killed.

Wayne Williams, the primary suspect was convicted in 1982. Now a local police chief is reopening the investigation into some of those murders.

CNN's Sarah Dorsey reports.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SARAH DORSEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When Wayne Williams was arrested in Atlanta in 1981, many in the city let out a breath they'd be holding for years. Since 1979, when black children and teens across the area began disappearing, later turning up dead. Williams, who was convicted of two of the murders and believed responsible for more than 20 others has always maintained his innocence.

Louis Graham, the assistant police chief in Fulton County at the time and part of the Missing and Murdered Task Force, believes Williams.

CHIEF LOUIS GRAHAM, DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA POLICE: I don't think Williams was responsible for anything. I don't think he did anything. So, made my mine up on that over 20 years ago, and I still feel that way. I felt that impetus when he was convicted and felt that impetus since. And yes, it has had a hold of me ever since and I can't just can't seem to turn it loose.

DORSEY: Graham is now the Dekalb County police chief, and he's finally in a position to get to the bottom of his hunch. He's reopening four cold cases in this county dating back to 1981. Patrick Baltazar, Curtis Walker, Joseph Bell, and William Barret. All either died of strangulation or asphyxiation.

GRAHAM: If we can solve one case, them I'm satisfied with that. But at this point, there's just too many open questions, and all I'm trying to do is answer those questions as best we can. And if we can't, that's just the way it is.

DORSEY: Graham says the Cold Case Task Force full of fresh investigators and fresh ideas using technology not available two decades ago will look into the four homicides. When it comes to the kids themselves, some 25 years later, Graham is still very emotional and wants answers.

GRAHAM: That's what I'm trying to do. So maybe there is -- there can be justice for Patrick, I don't know, but at least he knows that we won't forget. He knows that we haven't forgot. I haven't forgot. And maybe this is what it's all about.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

DORSEY: Graham says he doesn't know if it's possible that these cases can be solved after all of these years, but he says he owes it to the victims and their families to at least try. And Fredricka, he tells us he couldn't live without at least trying, without making some attempt rather than just forgetting cases like they were, just sitting on the shelf. He said he can't do it.

WHITFIELD: What's next?

DORSEY: Well, they plan on holding a press conference next week, so more answer -- more answers can. They can tell us exactly who will be on this taskforce. What it going to take to do this investigation. Also, they're appealing to family members of those four boys that were killed to come toward so they can explain to them first exactly what they want to do.

WHITFIELD: And the chief himself is expected to expand on some of those details?

DORSEY: That's what we're hearing.

WHITFIELD: All right, Sarah Dorsey, thanks so much.

Turning now to the fight for Iraq, suicide car bomb attacks in Baghdad today killing 22 people, including two American contract workers. The U.S. embassy says the Americans were traveling through Liberation Square when their convoy was hit. Iraqi officials say, at least, 30 people were wounded including five school girls, an unconfirmed report by an al Qaeda wing in Iraq claimed responsibility.

Elsewhere an American Marine was killed by a roadside bomb during combat, about 30 miles west of Baghdad. That brings the death toll of U.S. Forces in the war to 1,594. Also, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani arrived in Jordan today for talks with King Abdullah. The king pledged to help Iraq fight terrorism and upgrade the ties between the two neighbors by returning Jordan's ambassador to Baghdad as soon as possible.

And this development, the U.S. military reports the capture of a key suspected associate of Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq. Officials say Hasan Amin (ph) was arrested last month in Iraq.

More now on the car bomb attack no Baghdad today, and the impact on ordinary Iraqis. They begin each day not knowing if it will be their last.

CNN's Ryan Chilcote is in Baghdad with their stories.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Little is left of the suicide bomber's car or the convey carrying the U.S. contractors targeted as they come by. Or the school bus that was taking children to their homes. If you want a picture of Iraqi life from someone at Liberation Square, you have to go into the photo shops it's known for. Attacks are part of the cost of doing business in Baghdad. They're talked about with morbid resignation. "Every morning we leave home knowing nothing about our fate, not knowing if we'll be killed in an explosion or police shootout. We're waiting to find out how we will die."

If Abu Zafri (ph) sounds overly fatalistic, it's because it's the second attack here in two weeks. The faster his shop can pick up the glass, the faster they can man the register. Customers who come to buy a roll of film on days like this demand attention.

No one recalled a similar attack shown in this insurgent propaganda video, that happened here a year ago. That's old news in the new Iraq. But frustration with the government's inability to stop the attacks remains the same.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): "We don't know when this violence will come to an end. Every day the government promises they will stop it, but they can't. We've resorted to believing only in God."

For now, the focus is on getting the photo shop ready for tomorrow.

Ryan Chilcote, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Now to North Korea, and the U.S. tactics being used to influence the nuclear nation to disarm.

"The Washington Post" reports China has rejected a U.S. plan to cut off North Korea's supply of oil. It was a way to pressure Pyongyang to return to disarm amount talks. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is monitoring North Korea. A Defense Department official says there's intelligence the nation is possibly preparing for its first nuclear test. U.N. Nuclear Chief Mohamed ElBaradei says that would be a reckless move.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MOHAMED ELBARADEI, IAEA DIRECTOR GENERAL: It would have disastrous political repercussions. I'm not sure how much environmental impact it could have in terms of radiological fallout, so I do hope that North Korea would absolutely reconsider such a reckless, reckless step.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: And you can see the interview with ElBaradei tomorrow on "LATE EDITION" with Wolf Blitzer, and that begins at noon eastern.

Well, was he forced out by the pope? The editor of the Catholic magazine "America" resigns from his post, that's straight ahead on "CNN LIVE SATURDAY."

Also ahead, President Bush behind what was once the iron curtain. His message to former Soviet Bloc nations. And she's an actress and a advocate. Angelina Jolie and the cause close to her heard that's taken her to Pakistan.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: President Bush is on the second leg of a symbolic trip overseas, marking the Allied victory in World War II. The president arrived earlier today in the Netherlands from Latvia. It was his stop there and his message to former Soviet republics that's creating a strain between the U.S. and its old Cold War foe.

CNN White House correspondent Dana Bash is traveling with the president.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The president hailed eastern Europe's young democracies and said the United States shares the blame for what he called their captivity, five decades behind the iron curtain.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And when powerful governments negotiated the freedom of small nations was somehow expandable.

BASH: Mr. Bush is in the region to mark 60 years since the end of World War II. The end of the Nazis meant the beginning of Soviet domination, and he acknowledged the U.S. role in the Yalta Agreement that allowed it.

BUSH: We will not repeat the mistake of other generations, appeasing or excusing tyranny.

BASH: Getting a reluctant Russia to renew an apology for annexing the Baltic nations is a top priority for the three leaders Mr. Bush met with.

BUSH: The American people will never forget the occupation and communist oppression of the people of the Baltics. We recognize your painful history.

BASH: Russia is angry Mr. Bush included former Soviet states in his itinerary, and Moscow doesn't like the term occupation. But Mr. Bush used it eight times at this event.

BUSH: ... but occupation and communist oppression.

BASH: Spreading democracy is the hallmark of Mr. Bush's second term foreign policy. And he promised to make flood mere Vladimir Putin understand democracies are good neighbors and role models.

BUSH: And I will continue to speak as clearly as I can to President Putin, that it's in his country's interests that there be democracies on his borders.

BASH: Mr. Bush did take pains to address a key Putin concern in the Baltics, urging them not to let resentment breed discrimination against Russians and other minorities.

BUSH: Welcoming a tolerate spirit will assure the unity and strength of your country.

BASH: The busy day in Riga, including a warm welcome and an award for a president more accustomed to protests over the Iraq War, the three-star order, the highest honor Latvia.

(on camera): In event of his trip to Moscow, the president warned Vladimir Putin, only a strong democracy in his own country will determine its greatness. Yet, another challenge for the friendship Mr. Bush boasts about at a time he needs the Russian leader to confront challenges in places like North Korea and Iran.

Dana Bash, CNN, Riga, Latvia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Other news around the world now, two people were killed today in an explosion at an Internet cafe in Kabul, Afghanistan. Police are investigating whether the attack was a suicide bombing. A witness says he saw a man run into the building before the blast. The cafe is popular with westerners, but the victims were Afghans.

Officials in Myanmar are also investigating deadly explosions. Three bombs went off within an hour of each, at two shopping centers and a train exhibit in the Yangon, the country's capital. Eleven people were killed, dozens were wounded. The state television is blaming ethnic rebels for the attacks.

And film star Angelina Jolie is asking the world to help Afghan refugees living in Pakistan. The United Nations goodwill ambassador met with President Pervez Musharraf after touring camps near the Afghan border. The United Nations says Pakistan gets $12 million in aid for about 1 million refugees. Jolie says the international community should do more to shoulder the burden.

A Hollywood actor is just one of many pleading for the freedom of an Australian woman on trial with her life on the line. Was she smuggling drugs or was she set up?

And is the Vatican and the new pope, behind the resignation of a Catholic magazine editor?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It began as a vacation to a tropical paradise, but what followed next has a woman facing a possible death sentence. Now the tourist-turned-prisoner is awaiting for fate hundreds of miles away from home.

Here's CNN's Brian Todd.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A case that an Australian official compares to the Michael Jackson affair for its sensationalism. The sister of the accused attacks the media.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Leave her alone, all of you!

TODD: The defendant herself faints once outside the courtroom, then inside -- a pattern that has left the judges frustrated. Such is the ordeal of 27-year-old Schappelle Corby, an Australian beauty student arrested last October on the Indonesian resort island of Bali. Customs officials at the airport discovered a nine pound bag of high grade marijuana in her luggage. Corby always maintained it was planted there after she checked her bag through in Sydney.

SCHAPPELLE CORBY, DEFENDANT: And I swear, by God as my witness, I did not know marijuana was in my bag.

TODD: But Schapelle Corby faces three judges and an Indonesian justice system determined to crack down on drug trafficking. Several death sentences have been handed down to foreign nationals in recent years. Prosecutors have asked for a life sentence for Corby, but the judges could still send her to death by firing squad if they convict.

CORBY: Please, look to your God for guidance in your judgment for me.

TODD: As she pleads for her life, Corby seems to have a keen sense of how this case is playing back home. An Australian official tells CNN this is dominant news every day with popular sentiment favoring Corby's side. Star actor Russell Crowe has joined the fray, telling an Australian radio program the government must apply more pressure.

RUSSELL CROWE, ACTOR: I don't understand, when there is such doubt, how we can, as a country, stand by and let a young lady, as an Australian, rot away in a foreign prison. That is ridiculous.

TODD: Australian officials say the government will seek clemency if a death sentence is imposed. But for now this is a matter for the Indonesian courts, where a young lady appeals for compassion.

CORBY: I believe seven months which I've already been in prison is severe enough punishment for not putting locks on my bag. I don't know how long I can survive in here.

TODD: And at least one judge seems to have heard enough.

JUDGE LINTON SIRAIT, INDONESIA (through translator): We've already 75 percent decided, but I cannot tell you our conclusion.

TODD: A conclusion that could come any day when the judges announce their verdict and sentence.

Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE) WHITFIELD: Benedict XVI said today he will resist attempts to water down strict Vatican teachings. His conservative stance is apparently leading to changes within the Roman Catholic Church. The "New York Times" reports that the editor of Catholic magazine "America" has been forced to resign, the Reverend Tom Reece, and American Jesuits -- was reportedly ousted after publishing articles critical to church positions on issues such as gay marriage and abortion. Sources cited in the report say the order came from a Vatican office, which at the time of the firing was headed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI.

Well, what is the reaction in Rome to the apparent firing? And what does it say about the direction the church is headed?

CNN Vatican Analyst John Allen joins me now from Rome.

Well, good to see you, John.

JOHN ALLEN, CNN VATICAN ANALYST: Hi, Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: What more do you know about the circumstances of the resignation of Mr. Reese?

ALLEN: What my newspaper, the "National Catholic Reporter" and other media outlets in the states are reporting is in substance what you just said. That is that, Father Reese, who of course is well- known to viewers of CNN, and other media events, commentator on church affairs, has resigned and did so under pressure, most directly from his Jesuits superiors. But they were acting under pressure in turn from the Congregation for the Doctrinal of the Faith, that's the Doctrinal watch dog agency here at the Vatican in Rome. And this apparently -- this -- this tension about "America" the magazine that Father Reese edited goes back at least five years, involves a number of pieces "America" published, including ones that you just ticked off.

Although, we hasten to say every time "America"would publish a position critical of some official position of the church, it would publish a piece in defense. There was an attempt on the part of the magazine to, I suppose, carve out a space for discussion of these things.

WHITFIELD: Does it appear that was no longer happening or something?

ALLEN: Well, I think the thing is that because "America" is such a widely respected, and widely-read publication and perhaps more to the point, because it's sponsored officially by the Jesuits, which -- one of the leading orders in the Catholic Church. And it's an order who's members take a special vow, actually, of loyalty to the pope. I think there was a sense in the Vatican that the bar ought to be set a little bit higher in terms of defending the official positions of the church. We should also say that our information is that the initial pressure, so to speak to take action in this case, actually, came from a few American bishops who contacted Rome. Although, at this stage we don't know who the bishops were. WHITFIELD: And you talk about the Jesuits being very loyal to the pope, but at the same time that they also pride themselves on being very independent, independent thinkers. And this magazine "America" very much did that. So it seems as though there's a contradiction if you're going to be penalized for being an independent thinker.

ALLEN: Yes. Well, I mean, obviously, this will be seen one two of ways. Catholics who would hold some of the views that these -- that these pieces reflected would argue that this is an act of control intended to choke off legitimate discussion. Catholics who would support the action that the Vatican has taken, on the other hand, would argue that this is about being clear about what the church stands for. And when you have a magazine that is officially sponsored by the church in some way, legitimizing these views, so to speak, then you can create confusion. This is discussion, obviously, isn't a new one. It went on for, you know, almost 27 years of John Paul's pontificate. And this would indicate it's going to go on under Pope Benedict XVI.

WHITFIELD: And Benedict XVI was known to be sort of the right- hand man of Pope John Paul II, so why should anyone believe or be convinced that his loyalties is to the Catholic Church under Pope John Paul II leadership would in anyway be relaxed.

ALLEN: No, that's exactly right. I mean, this is an indication that from -- on this issue, that is the limits of acceptable discussion in the church, what we're going to have under Benedict XVI is very much the status quo of what we had under John Paul II. Now, we should haste on it add, however, that this decision about Father Reese was made prior to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger being elected as Pope Benedict XVI. So it's not an act of the pope. And we also don't know that the extent to which he was personally involved in any of these discussions. But I think the big picture here clearly is, that the kind of reigning in and drawing the lines in the sand that we saw under John Paul II is going to continue under this pope.

WHITFIELD: All right. Vatican analyst, John Allen, thanks so much for joining us from Rome.

ALLEN: You bet, Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: And when CNN LIVE SATURDAY returns -- it might look extreme, but it could save lives. Lessons behind the wheel that go beyond the routine driver's ed course.

And later a different kind of horsepower. The Kentucky Derby gets under way in about 90 minutes. Have you placed your bets? Don't do it before you see our next report from Churchill Downs.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Topping the headlines at this hour, two American contractors are among at least 22 people killed by a suicide car bombing in central Baghdad. A Web site carries a claim of responsibility by al Qaeda's wing in Iraq. A former Lebanese general who opposed his country's occupation by Syria is back home after nearly 14 years in exile. Tens of thousands turned out to give Michel Aoun a rousing welcome in downtown Beirut today. Supporters see him as a symbol for Lebanese independence.

And police are reopening a serial murder case that gripped the Atlanta area with fear between 1979 and 1981. Wayne Williams is serving life in prison, but the police chief in Dekalb County covering the eastern part of Atlanta says he doesn't believe Williams is guilty. Twenty-nine boys and young men were killed (INAUDIBLE) Dekalb County.

One of the original prosecutors in the case says, he has no doubt Williams is guilty. And questions the police chief's motives. Jack Mallard is a former Fulton County district attorney. He joins us now on the phone from Cummings, Georgia.

All right, Mallard, glad you were able to join us.

Well, what do you believe is the motivation is for chief Louis Graham?

Mr. Mallard, are you there?

JACK MALLARD, FORMER PROSECUTOR: Yes, I'm here.

WHITFIELD: Well, you question, apparently, motivation behind the police chief's reopening of the case. What do you suppose it is?

MALLARD: Well, first I question whether any department can be objective in an investigation, when the chief comes out in the same announcement and says that Wayne Williams hadn't killed anybody. And of course, he's made that statement over the years several times. So how can any investigation by him and his department be objective?

WHITFIELD: He apparently has said that he has questioned whether Wayne Williams was the right man for many, many years. And the difference now, they may be able to use some advanced technology to help the get to the bottom of some of the cases, as well as being able to suit this investigation with a whole new team of people. What would be the harm in doing that, in your view?

MALLARD: There's no harm in reopening or continuing the investigation of any unsolved murder. That's done every day and certainly anybody welcomes that. It's just interesting to note that he would come ought and eliminate the only person who has ever been convicted in the murders, at the same time he's opening up the cases.

WHITFIELD: You have felt for all of these years, in your heart of hearts, that Wayne Williams is the right man behind bars?

MALLARD: Absolutely, there was no doubt whatever. There was no doubt with the jury. There was no doubt at the time with the most -- everybody in the Atlanta area, including the media and everybody that was directly involved with it.

WHITFIELD: He's serving life after the conviction of the murders of two victims. Why wasn't it broadened out to all 29?

MALLARD: Well, that's a long story, and the chief of police and the district attorney at the time saw fit to not proceed on the other cases because of insufficient evidence. And that's the way they stand at this time. As I've said, and have said all along, that at any time, any of those cases can be cleared. And I suspect that that will involve Williams, when they are. And certainly a prosecution would be in order.

WHITFIELD: All right, Jack Mallard, a former Fulton County assistant district attorney, thank's so much for joining us on the telephone. And again, the Dekalb County police chief, Louis Graham, is expected to hold a press conference later on this week to perhaps explain why he is trying to reopen the cases.

To other news now, you are about to see some extreme measures being taken to improve teenage driver skills. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20-years-old, two-thirds of those teens killed in traffic. Accidents are passengers in vehicles driven by other teens. Seven percent of licensed drivers are teenagers, but teens suffer 14 percent of fatalities, and 20 percent of all reported accidents.

Sharon Collins reports now on how some driving schools are trying to turn those numbers around.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHARON COLLINS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Elizabeth Graper is leaving school early. It is one of those red letter days on any teenager's calendar, Elizabeth is on her way to take her driving test. She hopes to get her license today.

ELIZABETH GRAPER, TEEN DRIVER: A little nervous. But a lot of my friends have already done it.

COLLINS: Elizabeth took Driver's Ed at her high school, and she spent time driving with her mom at her side.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Lizzie, you need to pay attention, honey.

GRAPER: It's 25.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, and how fast are you going?

GRAPER: Forty.

COLLINS: But Elizabeth also did a little something extra. Something that would ordinarily horrify any parent.

GRAPER: That's what you do!

COLLINS: It's called Xtreme Measures, a new breed of driving schools springing up around the country. Today's class is held at a race track in Charlotte, North Carolina. Karl Kutcher started Extreme Measures six years ago after an accident that still haunts him today. CARL KIRCHER, XTREME MEASURES: One of my older daughter's best friends got killed. She got two wheels off the side of the road, over-corrected, hit a tree. And I knew right then that there had to be something that I could do that was going to help you guys get through. Get the car to slide. Get it to slide. Get it to slide.

COLLINS; Kricher has worked around auto racing all of his life. His classes apply lessons learned on the racetrack to emergencies encountered in everyday driving situations.

KIRCHER: You can't just take your child in a parking lot and show them defensive maneuvers, car control maneuvers as they did when I grew up. You can't do that anymore. So we provide them a place to learn how to do that at our expense in an oops-free environment so that they can learn what we've learn over 30 years of driving.

COLLINS: The teens practice recovering from skids. Handling the car when it runs off the road. And avoiding obstacles. His course is not a replacement for the basics of driver's ed, but it does teach students skills they wouldn't learn in a typical course.

SHARON GRAPER, ELIZABETH GRAPER'S MOTHER: I felt like I wanted Elizabeth to have some experience in extreme conditions so that she would know what to do if she was in that circumstance.

COLLINS: After a day of driving on the Xtreme course, Elizabeth felt pretty good about what she'd learned.

(on camera): So you think you got it down?

ELIZABETH GRAPER: Yes.

COLLINS (voice-over): But would it help her get a license? After her driving test, she feels pretty confident.

(on camera): How did you do?

ELIZABETH GRAPER: I think I did OK.

COLLINS: Did you? Well, good.

(voice-over): But the news is disappointing.

ELIZABETH GRAPER: I didn't get it.

COLLINS: Twice Elizabeth turned into the wrong lane. A relatively minor mistake, but one that could easily cause an accident. And a reminder of how even the best prepared teenager won't always make the right call.

Sharon Collins, CNN, Charlotte, North Carolina.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And we're happy to report that Elizabeth Graper, the teen driver in that story has now passed her license test. Joining us is Carl Kirsher, founder of Xtreme Driving School. Wow, I imagine that lots of kids if the had the opportunity would love to sign up for it, because it really does gives them an excuse to do the fishtailing and the hydroplaning. And it looks fun even though it is dangerous to do when out on the road, of course.

KIRSHER: It is, and we provide them a safe place to do that, that's a primary focus of what have we do. We ask the question how many of you are here because you have to be here, the first day, very few hands come up. Most of the hands come up -- and how many of you are here because you want to be here, and very few hands come up. So -- but what's interesting is Sunday it turns around. How many of you are here because you want to be here and all of the hands go up. Everybody is having a great time.

WHITFIELD:: Well, this really is a unique experience. Not everyone gets a chance to partake. But for those who do, they have to pay for it on their own. It's not some offered by the school districts, right?

KIRSHER: Correct.

WHITFIELD: And when they do sign up, you've got to bring your own vehicle.

KIRSHER: Correct. There's no better vehicle to learn in than the one you're going to drive, right?

WHITFIELD: Right. And you all have to take some extreme measures to create all of these situations so that it is as realistic as possible.

KIRSHER: Yes.

WHITFIELD: What if air on an icy road way, what if you're, you know, a flooded street, et cetera. Take me through the measures you have to take to make it just right.

KRISHER: Well, we use a million square foot parking lot at Atlanta Motor Speedway. We use lots of water. We use a soapy surface -- a soapy solution that we put in it, so that we can simulate a slippery conditions and make it as real and virtual as you said. Also it minimizes abuse on the car, which is important from parents' perspective.

WHITFIELD: Does it seem like most of your customers are young people or do find that a lot of the parents say, you know what, I could see that I need something like this, sign me up?

KRISHER: Most of the time it's young people, but a lot of parents take it as well. The synergy between parents and teenagers in the conversations they have during the course of a day both taking the same thing is sort of a lasting synergy. And it does changes their communication skills over a long-term. So, it's interesting how that works.

WHITFIELD: You've only been doing this for about six years, right?

KRISHER: Right.

WHITFIELD: How have you had to make the program evolve to keep it fresh and new?

KRISHER: We've had to -- well, first of all, we expanded to other areas so we could can address more kids. It's in a constant state of flux. We have exercises, we change communication, we change what we talk about. We try to influence kids in different ways and different events, so...

WHITFIELD: And one of the biggest mistakes that a lot of the kids make, they come in there probably thinking, you know what, I got this. I can handle any situation.

KRISHER: Sure, absolutely.

WHITFIELD: It's a really eye-opening experience, isn't?

KRISHER: It is an eye opening experience, because everyone thinks they know how to drive. And it takes about five minutes to show them they really don't know anything. So the learning curve for them, they're in the education mode, as opposed to as you get older you get out of the education mode. They're in education mode and just interested in learning, and that's their life at that moment.

WHITFIELD: Is there anything on this course that you really cannot address? It really does mean stepping up to common sense issues? And there's a lot of decision making that a young person or any driver has to make when behind the wheel.

KRISHER: We try to hit it all. And really, you hit the biggest part of it. If I do this, what is the consequence of it? That's primary of what try to do. So -- and weave it into their everyday life. It makes a big difference in the rest of the part of your life, schooling, business, and all of that. So, we address that, as well as techniques and those sorts of things.

WHITFIELD: I bet you wish that there were more school districts or at least programs like this would be more available cross the country, because you know, it's pretty obvious how it can benefit everyone.

KRISHER: Certainly, the statistics would be a lot less, and that's what we're trying to address is statistics. So, we're a non- profit volunteer group. We do it because we have a passion for it, so...

WHITFIELD: All right, Carl Kirsher, Xtreme Driving School, thanks so much.

KRISHER: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Well, "CNN LIVE TODAY" continues right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: He was a politician caught on tape. After paying the price, he tried to salvage his career.

As part of CNN's anniversary series "Then & Now," we take a look at Marion Berry.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARION BARRY, FMR. D.C. MAYOR: Marion Barry is the best and brightest for Washington, D.C.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As Washington, D.C.'s self-proclaimed mayor for life, Marion Barry has known fame, fall from grace.

BARRY: While I wish I could trade this hour.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And political redemption. Born in Mississippi, Barry came to Washington in the '60s as a civil rights activist and never left. Barry was elected mayor of D.C. in 1978. And held that office for 12 years. But in 1990, Barry's reign ended with a cocaine arrest in an FBI sting operation.

After searching six months in prison, he returned as a city council member, then reclaimed the mayor's office in 1994. But his fourth term was overshadowed with allegations of financial wrongdoing.

But now, Marion Barry is back on the city council once again.

BARRY: I've been knocked down. Some say you fell down, put yourself down, but I got up.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE; He captured 96 percent of the vote in Washington's 8th ward, an area with the city's highest rates of poverty and unemployment.

BARRY: I ought to be tired by now after 40-some years of public service, 68 years of age. But I'm not. I just got my second wind.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: As for his issues with drugs, Barry says it's all in the past and prefers not to talk about it.

Married four times, he has one son, 24-year-old Marion Christopher Barry.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: All right, that was both looking back and ahead.

Let's now only look to ahead to about an hour from now, Carol Lin with CNN -- more of CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to be talking this teacher who was a convicted murdered. The parents did not know, when he was hired at this private school that he had a murder conviction. Now he's accused of a molesting three young students, including two 13- year-old. So, the principal of the school said, Fred, the reason why she didn't tell the parents about his murder conviction, is because she didn't think it would help. And that apparently the murder conviction had nothing to do with children. Anyway a controversy brewing there.

At 10:00, I'm not actually going to tell you who this guest is, but let me tell you something about her. She wrote a book. She knows everything that goes behind -- that goes on behind closed doors of the highest people in power. She is the second, she calls herself the second line of defense in homeland security.

WHITFIELD: Interesting.

LIN: Yes. She's got some pretty funny tales to tell about the rich and powerful.

WHITFIELD: All right. We're looking forward to that. Carol, thanks a lot.

Well, post time is a little more than an hour away, and the run for the roses up next. We'll go live to Churchill downs for a look at the big money mind the big race.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It's the first Saturday in May, and that means only one thing to horse racing fans, the Kentucky Derby. And we're a little more than an hour away now from the 131st run for the roses. And most if not all of the 140,000 plus fans are already jammed into historic Churchill Downs in Louisville. Today's favorite is the big colt named Bellamy Road owned by New York Yankee boss George Steinbrenner. But consider this before placing your bets, only two favorites in the past 25 years have actually won the Kentucky Derby.

Joining us live from Churchill Downs for more on the race, CNN sports business analysts, oh it's hard to take you seriously like that, Rick Horrow. Where it's all about the mint juleps and the big hats, very green hats at that.

RICK HORROW, CNN SPORTS BUSINESS ANALYST: You got admire my self-esteem. I'm fine with this.

WHITFIELD: You're bold.

HORROW: There's about $250 million of economic impact around this region like the Super Bowl from this weekend. About $230 million from these hats, OK. So, we'll get serious because I'm not doing this for the next three minutes, but I just want you know that I that I could even do that for you.

WHITFIELD: I like it. You're in the spirit of things. So, let's talk about that big business. Last year, record betting, are we expecting that to be the case this year? Last year in part because of that "Seabiscuit" of a type of horse. This year is it, possibly, Steinbrenner's horse that really gets people inspired on betting? HORROW: Well, about $100 million bet last year in the Derby itself. And over $130 million in a 12 (INAUDIBLE) race card, Smarty Jones wasn't significant yet, because he hadn't won the derby. There's 140,000 people right there, this is now the ninth race behind me, and frankly they're going to set some records. It's 80 degrees here. Everybody's excited about it. The industry as a whole, $50 billion bet, that's very important for the future of horse racing.

WHITFIELD: Wow. And that kind of betting doesn't just involve those who are gambling right there at the track, but that also incorporates some off track betting places, too, doesn't?

HORROW: Well, yes, that's the future of it, as well, simultaneous for example in Laurel, Maryland. There's more simulcast betting than there is live better. And slot machines, New York, Ft. Lauderdale, all have approved referendums to put slots in the track. Why, they're entertainment experiences, like Churchill Downs and $121 million renovation behind us. That's one of the reasons people go, not just to bet on the race.

WHITFIELD: Wow, I want to talk to you a little bit more about that modernization plan there at Churchill Downs. They, obviously, see that this sport is still popular and it's growing even more. That's why they're reinvesting in their own place. Why is it so popular?

HORROW: Well, frankly, 40 million people come to these races every year, but only 10 million consider themselves avid fans. So it's marketing marketing, more marketing. "Seabiscuit," television, all of the corporate money, Visa, Dodge, even Nextel, Emeritus Airlines is even in this deal. So, $60 million by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association in marketing. It's all about selling and excitement. We have the excitement here. It's going to get better as the day goes along. Only about an hour plus until post time.

WHITFIELD: Wow. And we were even looking at a clip just a moment ago of "Seabiscuit." And in fact, Churchill Downs, didn't they also, the Kentucky Derby as a whole, invested quite a bit of money -- the industry did in that movie to perhaps inspire people perhaps or really get them excited about the horse racing world?

HORROW: Absolutely. The key is to bring horse racing to the masses. Two minutes and about four seconds was Smarty Jones, Kentucky Derby winning time last year. Now, that's two minutes in a 12-month period. So, what do you do, concerts, entertainment, marketing. $100 million Universal Studios on "biscuit." So everybody who's a fan or not can talk about that movie. And then Smarty Jones came along this last year and talked about how exciting it was as an underdog race fan representing and rooting for an underdog horse. And by the way, he was just a couple seconds away from winning the Triple Crown, but it started back here last may at Churchill Downs.

WHITFIELD: All, exciting stuff. All right, Rick, thanks so much. Back to the mint juleps and back to your green topper there.

HORROW: I'll put the hat back on. I'll talk to you guys later.

WHITFIELD: All right, thanks a lot.

All right that's going to do for this hour of CNN LIVE SATURDAY. Straight ahead, "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS," profiles Tom DeLay and Tony Blair and Samuel L. Jackson.

Then at 6:00 Eastern, Carol Lin is here for "CNN LIVE SATURDAY," and at 7:00 eastern at ward winning team of "The Capital Gang." And I'll be back in a few minutes with this hour's headlines.

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